“I like to be the man on top, in every sense!”- Karan Johar 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, January 7, 2005 - 05:20 IST
Cynics snub his 'goody-two-shoes' characters, the SRK fixation. Critics aren't too kind to his sense of extravagance and implausible scripts either. But the fankar of 'feel-good' films Karan Johardusts off criticism with a shrug and continues to dish the biggest hankie-wringers Bollywood has seen.
We bring you excerpts from a recent interview where the articulate director touches upon promising 2005 flicks, why Black has got him excited, the best film he saw in recent times and the stars who are going to shine bright this calender year…
A quick run of 2005 movies
2005 starts with a bang. Kisna is looking big. So is Black. Both besides being hugely awaited films are cinematic departures for the two directors. While, Subhash Ghai will sample a period film with Kisna, Black is looking stunning too.
Black has aroused a lot of curiosity…
That's right. The whole world wants to know what the film is about. I have a very good feeling about it. I think Black has an international aura to it. And it just might be our ticket to the Big time.
Backtracking to 2005 releases…
Yes, we then have Ketan Mehta's The Rising. The whole look, feel and ambience are top notch. Aamir Khan's performance will be something to watch out for.
The Chopras have had a great run in 2004, what are they going to give people this year?
I agree. They gave three thunderous hits in 2004, Hum Tum, Dhoom, Veer-Zaara. And this year will see a lot of them too. There's Shaad Ali's Bunty aur Babli, Siddharth Anand's Saif-Preity starrer and Kunal Kohli's Aamir-Kajol film. Yashraj is growing to be among the most credible banner India has witnessed.
Speaking of which, where do we see you in 2005?
Ah, little me will have come out with Kaal being co-produced by Shahrukh by the end of April. Hopefully, December should also see my directorial venture happen.
2004 saw a string of sleazebag films. Any trends that you see this year…
I think the skin flicks will die this year. There has been an overt exposure about it. Don't think it will last any longer. As for citing any particular trends, audiences will get a mixed bag of films. No particular trend hits me.
Any film that has particularly impressed you of late…
Lets see…I saw the Juhi Chawla starrer My Brother Nikhil and I think it among the better films that I saw of recent. Very impacting, must admit.
Tell us the actors to watch out for in 2005?
Hmm…Abhishek is tremendous! Shahid Kapur and Viek Oberoi display talent too. I am sure these can deliver big guns, if molded well. Among the women, Rani, Kareena and Ash are all doing good projects. Priyanka Chopra has signed some big films too. Watch out for the lady!
The director now settles to some fastrack Q-n-A. And ditto his films; entertainment is what he delivers…
Who makes a better actress in the long run, Ash or Sush?
Sush can slip into myriad roles. But Ash is the big screen heroine. Westwards is where she would be looking.
Will she make it big?
Oh yes! I think the actor in her has great potential
On similar lines, Abhishek or Vivek Oberoi?
Abhishek Bachchan
The best actress…
Kajol!
From your movies, pick a favorite
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Who's the most overrated person you have come across?
None. I am always among the best of talented people that I feel quite inadequate. I almost feel I am the most overrated person.
The most intimidating guest on your show…
Aishwarya, it has to be. She was unflappable! A tough cookie. I think she handled me marvelously well.
Would you cast Mallika in your film, If yes, as whom?
Of course I would cast her. Would cast her as a sexpot, what else.
The worst comment anyone has paid you?
This guy walked up to me and told, 'Same shit, different film' on my face.
On woman you would like to be reborn as?
Aishwarya Rai! She is singularly the most beautiful woman on earth.
You like to be the man on top or the man below?
Man on top, in every sense!
|
Karan Johar on a candid roll about the SRK fixation
